Twilight of the Sultanate c17.s8.32

c17.s8.32

Exports from India included pearls, jewels and perfumery, elephants tusks, ebony and *Ūd* (an odoriferous wood), camphor, clove, nutmeg and sandal-wood. Cloth, jute, coconut, cotton, brocade and pepper also had a good market outside.¹⁵⁰ Of the imports only horses are mentioned, as Arabian and Turkistan horses were in great demand here, and Wassāf writes that about 10,000 horses were imported every year.¹⁵¹ Indian rulers gained by maritime trade and so gave it every possible encouragement.¹⁵² Hindus were a sea-faring people. Nicolo Conti and Vasco da Gama write that Indian sailors guided themselves by the help of stars in the north and south and had nautical instruments of their own.¹⁵³ Gujarat kings maintained fleets also and fought naval battles.¹⁵⁴ Muslims used to go to Mecca in boats.¹⁵⁵